Slaughter is the term used to describe the killing and butchering of animals, usually for food. Commonly it refers to killing and butchering of domestic livestock. The animals most commonly slaughtered for food are cattle, water buffalo, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and fowl, largely chickens, turkeys, and ducks. Laws for ritual slaughter Ritual slaughter of animals is also used for food production. Such slaughter is governed by various laws, most notably: Shechita - Jewish laws of slaughtering animals. Dhabihah - Islamic law of slaughtering animals. Jhatka - for those Sikh and Hindus who consume meat.